CapU tourism management student recognized for outstanding co-op work
Capilano University (CapU) Bachelor of Tourism Management student Mary Thomson was recently recognized by the Association for Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning BC/Yukon (ACE-WIL) with an honourable mention for the 2022 ACE-WIL Co-op Student of the Year award in the university category.
The award acknowledges students who demonstrate an outstanding level of achievement at their co-op or work-integrated learning (WIL) placement with strong academic records, volunteer work and promoting co-op education. This is the first time that CapU has submitted a nomination for the award.
“Receiving recognition has been such a rewarding feeling and I’m so happy I get the opportunity to share my co-op experience with others,” said Thomson from Sydney, Australia, where she is currently completing a study abroad program.
In September 2022, Thomson also won CapU’s Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Management Work Term Excellence award, which recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional work ethic, learning and commitment to their employer, community and institution.
Thomson completed her co-op placement in her hometown of Gibsons on the Sunshine Coast at Gibsons Public Market as the special events assistant coordinator. She helped organize large-scale night markets, kids cooking classes and launched a new series of cooking workshops. She was also responsible for volunteer coordination and community outreach.
Thomson chose to enroll in CapU’s Bachelor of Tourism Management degree due to its proximity to home and after learning about tourism and destination management from a family friend.
“I wanted to stay close to home and CapU’s program is recognised as one of the best, so it seemed like the perfect option for me,” says Thomson. “It has certainly lived up to my expectations over the last three years. With a wide variety of subjects, great people and a beautiful campus; it’s been an absolute blast!”
March is national co-op and WIL month. CapU is a member of the ACE-WIL BC/Yukon, offering WIL programs for students in partnership with workplaces for experiential learning.
Submitted by: Communications